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Boeing said it has suspended deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner while it corrects problems with lithium-ion batteries blamed for a string of mishaps. "Production of 787s continues," spokesman Marc Birtel said. "We will not deliver 787s until the [Federal Aviation Administration] approves a means of compliance with their recent airworthiness directive concerning batteries and the approved approach has been implemented."

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The Federal Aviation Administration is considering whether the overheating of lithium-ion batteries on the Boeing 787 could have implications for other uses of the batteries. "There might not have been a lot (of dialogue) in the past, but I can assure you there will be going forward," said George Nield, associate administrator for commercial space transportation at the FAA.

Boeing's solution for the lithium-ion battery problem plaguing its 787 Dreamliner got its first flight test Monday. Data from the flight will be analyzed and a further ground and flight demonstration is planned. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration could limit Boeing 787 on extended operations, experts say.

Boeing plans to propose a short-term fix for its lithium-ion batteries to U.S. regulators, sources say. The manufacturer's goal is to return its 787 Dreamliners to service while it works on a long-term solution. Boeing spokesman Marc Birtel said "good progress is being made" on the battery issue.

Boeing is preparing battery design changes to get its grounded 787 Dreamliner back in the air, while it also works on a permanent solution to the battery problems, industry and government officials briefed on the matter said. U.S. and Japanese aviation authorities would have to approve Boeing's interim modifications to the way the 787s use lithium-ion batteries.

Whether the lithium-ion battery that burned on a Japan Airlines Boeing 787 is cause or effect remains yet to be determined; a solution to the problem that has grounded the Dreamliner around the world remains elusive. The U.S. National Transportation and Safety Board and its Japanese counterpart are continuing their separate investigations. To date, evidence points to manufacturing flaws in the battery.